Overview

Distribution

Range Description

The species is found adjoining the Palghat gap of the Western Ghats at an altitude ranging between 500 and 1,000 m. One report of the spider is from Trivandrum although the location is not known, and there are reports from Kannur and Calicut districts although the identity needs to be validated. The extent of occurrence from confirmed locations north and south of the Palghat gap is about 12,000 km², with an estimated area of occupancy of less than 2,000 km² calculated from remaining relatively undisturbed forests. The spider is found in fewer than 10 locations, severely fragmented.

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Ecology

Habitat

Habitat and Ecology

The species occurs in dry and moist deciduous forests. Although no specific studies have been conducted on the ecology of this species, it closely resembles that of P. regalis. Both P. striata and P. regalis have been found in teak monocultures, but the densities are very low compared to that of old growth forests (S. Molur and B.A. Daniel pers. obs.).

This is the second most commonly found species in the Western Ghats just north and south of the Palghat gap. It shares the same habitat with Poecilotheria regalis in its distributional range. Like other species of this group, it also is affected by habitat degradation and fragmentation. These spiders enter human settlements close to or in forests and usually get killed by the locals. This is one of the more common ‘pokie’ species kept by pet traders and hobbyists. Trade in this species is common and it is one of the more commonly advertised species on the web. The species assessed as Vulnerable as it is restricted in its range (estimated to be around 12,000 km²) and area of occupancy (less than 2,000 km²) with severe fragmentation and continuing decline in area of occupancy and habitat quality.

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Trends

Population

Population information is not available. The species shows the same trends in patchy distribution like other species of the genus. It has been reported from fewer than 10 severely fragmented locations, the abundance varying depending on the habitat. From informal observations, densities in natural forests seem higher than in plantations, but actual studies have not been conducted to establish this. This species is the second most common species encountered after P. regalis. Two distinct populations exist north and south of the Palghat gap.

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Threats

Habitat loss and degradation along with collection for international pet trade are major threats. This species is killed by locals when it enters human settlements situated in or close to its habitat. The impacts of each individual threat are not known, but combined the species faces a risk.